House of Travel wins Top National Travel Award

Kiwi owned and operated House of Travel are proud winners of the Best Travel Agency Brand category at this year’s TAANZ National Travel Industry Awards, which recognise excellence in the travel industry.

The success of the much-loved Kiwi brand has also filtered through provincial and individual accolades, with several of its regional retail stores among the winners, and an impressive list of agents, consultants and managers among the list of finalists and winners within their respective categories.

House of Travel CEO Mark O’Donnell believes that this impressive company achievement is down to having the right people within the business, those who are committed to creating inspiring itineraries for how Kiwis see the world.

“All of our wider House of Travel talent – from owners to managers to consultants – absolutely live and breathe a passion for travel, and we are driven to ensure Kiwis feel the thrill of a fantastic overall travel experience.”

“It’s also timely for me to thank the New Zealanders who enlist House of Travel to research, plan and help create their holidays, and continue to return to us when booking their future travel experiences.”

House of Travel started its humble beginnings in the South Island in 1987 by businessman Chris Paulsen – who continues his involvement today as executive chairman of the group.

It was Paulsen’s vision of a personal, inspired and accessible travel and tourism service that planted the seed for the growth and excitement that is now a group of over 70 House of Travel retail stores throughout Australasia.

“Chris’ philosophy still exists in the vision of each individual retail store,” explains O’Donnell. “And this is a key component of what ensures House of Travel is New Zealand’s most trusted and successful travel brand today.”

Each retail store follows Paulsen’s breakthrough model of owner-operators in partnership with House of Travel Holdings, which has allowed many New Zealanders to become successful business people in their own right, and this format had led to a booming turnover per outlet of three times that of the NZ and Australia industry average.

O’Donnell says House of Travel is a user-friendly brand built on solid foundations, but it has also used technology to its (and the traveller’s) advantage with an interactive website, inspirational blogs and a NZ-first travel App that makes planning and changing your holiday on the go a breeze.

He says the TAANZ awards recognise House of Travel’s sound company vision, along with personable customer service and an ability to utilise technology in ways that benefit the traveller.